Phung Islet – “The kingdom of Coconut” in Mekong

Phung islet – “The kingdom of Coconut” in Mekong

Planning a trip to Ben Tre, the “land of coconuts,” but not sure where to go? Head straight to Phung islet tourist Area! It’s one of the hottest tourist destinations in Ben Tre and the Mekong Delta right now. So, what makes Phung islet so attractive? Let’s uncover its charm.

Overview about Phung islet in Ben Tre

Phung islet is an eco-tourism destination in Ben Tre province. This island, located in the middle of the Tien River, is extremely cool and peaceful. Phung islet offers many exciting experiences for visitors, from Western-style entertainment activities to dozens of delicious Ben Tre specialty dishes. This is undoubtedly a must-visit place in the “land of coconuts.”

Where is Phung islet?

• Address: Hamlet 10, Tan Thach Commune, Châu Thành District, Bến Tre Province
• Phung islet , also known as Tân Vinh Islet, covers an area of over 30,000 square meters. It is one of the four sacred lands on the Tien River, known as Long, Lan, Quy, and Phung. Each year, Phung islet Tourist Area welcomes tens of thousands of visitors from all over the country.

How to get to Phung islet in Ben Tre

Phung islet is located about 80 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Traveling by car usually takes about 2 hours. You can go to the Western Bus Station to catch buses to Ben Tre, with ticket prices ranging from 60,000 to 70,000 VND. For distant travelers, you can book flights to Saigon or Can Tho and then continue to Phung islet. If you are starting from Saigon, here are some options:

By Coach:
There are many coach services to choose from, and you can ask the driver to drop you off at Phung islet. Some recommended coach services include:

• Thịnh Phat Ben Tre: 25A Sư Vạn Hạnh, Ward 9, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
• Thao Chau Ben Tre: 70B Hùng Vương, Ward 9, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
• Thanh Thuy: 280 Trần Phú, Ward 8, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City

By Personal Vehicle: You can also reach Phung islet by motorbike or car. Follow Vo Van Kiet Road to QL1A, continue to Trung Luong Roundabout, then take QL60, and cross Rach Mieu Bridge to find the sign for Phung islet.

Best Time to Visit Phung islet Tourist Area

Thanks to its favorable natural position, you can visit Phung islet anytime during the year. However, the best time is during the summer, around June, July, and August, when it’s fruit season with many delicious fruits like durians, rambutans, and mangosteens.

Experience Exciting Activities at Phung islet

Dạo Dua Relic Area

The Dao Dua Relic Area is a must-visit. Covering 1,500 square meters, it preserves many cultural and religious values of the local people. Despite being over 50 years old, the area still retains its beauty. A highlight is the area with 9 majestic dragon pillars.

Visit a Beekeeping Farm

Phung islet still maintains the traditional craft of beekeeping for honey. Visiting here, you can easily find families engaged in beekeeping, mainly collecting honey from longan flowers. The honey is delicious and fragrant. You can also buy honey as a gift.

Horse Carriage/Rowboat Ride Around Phung islet

If you plan to explore the entire Phung islet, a horse carriage ride is a must-try. It’s a fascinating way to enjoy the beautiful scenery and the peaceful river landscape. For exploring the small canals, a rowboat is a perfect choice.

Listen to Southern Vietnamese Folk Music

Have you ever experienced ‘đon ca tai tu’? At Phung islet, you can enjoy this famous local music in authentic thatched houses while being served various tropical fruits like longans, rambutans, papayas, melons, and guavas.

Catch Fish in the Ditch

Catching fish is an extremely fun activity popular with many visitors. Imagine being a farmer wearing traditional clothes, jumping into the ditch, and competing to catch snakehead fish. It’s a muddy but enjoyable experience.

Crocodile Fishing Challenge

Cồn Phụng Island also offers an exciting crocodile fishing area. Dozens of crocodiles await you for a thrilling challenge, perfect for adventurous visitors.

Coconut Museum

The coconut tree is an iconic image of Ben Tre. Hence, a coconut museum has been established in Phung islet. The museum features a large house made of coconut materials, with various items like furniture, tea sets, and musical instruments all crafted from coconut.

Visit a Coconut Candy Workshop

Phung islet also has a workshop specializing in producing coconut candy. Visitors can observe the entire production process, from mixing and cooking to cutting and packaging. Don’t forget to buy some candies as souvenirs.

Delicious Specialties at Phung islet

Fried Sticky Rice

This dish is made from fragrant sticky rice, ground into fine powder, soaked with sugar and cooking oil, then fried until puffed. It is often served with chicken or spring rolls.

Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancake)

A famous dish with large, crispy pancakes filled with meat, shrimp, and bean sprouts, served with fresh vegetables and fish sauce.

Sour Snakehead Fish Soup

A specialty of the Mekong Delta, this soup is made with fresh snakehead fish and various vegetables, offering a deliciously sweet and sour flavor.

Coconut Worms

A unique Ben Tre specialty with high nutritional value, coconut worms can be grilled or fried for a rich, buttery taste.

Boiled Shrimp with Coconut Water

Shrimp boiled in coconut water absorb the sweetness of the coconut, resulting in a deliciously fragrant and flavorful dish.

Crispy Fried Elephant Ear Fish

A well-known dish in Phung islet, the elephant ear fish is fried until golden and crispy, served with rice paper and dipping sauce.

Tips for Visiting Phung islet in Ben Tre

• Don’t pick fruits randomly in the orchards as they may belong to local farmers.
• When riding a rowboat, avoid placing your hands on the boat’s edge to prevent injuries.
• Wear comfortable clothing as you will move around a lot in Phung islet.
• You can tip the boatmen if you wish, though it’s not mandatory.

So, we’ve explored Phung islet! It’s indeed an interesting destination. Its proximity to Ho Chi Minh City makes it perfect for short trips. Start planning your visit soon!